Our May Artist of the month goes to the brilliant Raya Sader Bujana from Barcelona, Spain. Her attention to detail never fails to amaze us, we hope you enjoy her who stunningly intricate paper art.
Full name: Raya Sader Bujana
Website: raya.studio
Instagram:
"I like drawing with the scalpel rather than thinking ahead too much and when I need to figure out a new shape I like to sketch in 3D, but I never make templates, I like each piece to be unique and different, so if I have to make a mandarin, each segment of the orange will be different,."
Where do you make your paper Art?
Usually in my studio in Barcelona, right now, like probably most of us, I'm working from my home and hope to get back to my studio soon.
How long have you been working with paper?
Professionally for about 8 years, but I had started working with paper when I entered university to study architecture. There was something fascinating about paper for me, I always loved working with it.
How would you describe your approach to paper art?
I think the way I work with paper is very organic, and detailed, I love details. I like drawing with the scalpel rather than thinking ahead too much and when I need to figure out a new shape I like to sketch in 3D, but I never make templates, I like each piece to be unique and different, so if I have to make a mandarine orange, each segment of the orange will be different, if I have to make a flower each petal is different and hand drawn, even chickpeas, I'll do them individually... I like all the elements to be different. I feel it's what makes my pieces my own, it's the way I illustrate or sculpt with paper.
Where do you find inspiration?
I'm an observer by nature, I like finding inspiration around me, I love incorporating texture and volume in my work, nature and architecture both play a very important part in my approach.
Describe your work to us in 3 words?
This is always very hard for me haha I think I would say detailed, organic and maybe joyful?
What are your favourite papers to work with?
I really love high quality matte textured papers, I usually work with 160 - 175 gsm, I find this weight the best for me.
What tool could you not live without?
My scalpel and a pencil. Absolutely essential.
What is the best thing about working with paper as a medium?
How versatile it is... It's such a common material, everyone knows it and uses it yet most people don't know how much can be done with it. I really love the "That's paper?" reaction.
Who are your favourite paper artists?
So many, I really like Lucila Biscione's work, Jeff Nishinaka is amazing, I also love Stine Beg Evensen's approach, Cristian Marianciuc, love Laura Sayer's style... Honestly the list of paper artists I admire is very very long.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now I'm exploring a bit with a series I've had in the back of my mind for a while... although I don't dare show it yet haha... maybe when it feels like it's more complete.
Also making lots of tiny flowers which feels very therapeutic to me during this time, they feel joyful
